Hunting in the Preserve

Wildlife found throughout the State of Arizona, including within the Scottsdale McDowell Sonoran Preserve, is managed by the State and may be hunted in accordance with rules and regulations established by the Arizona Game and Fish Commission.

Hunting in the Scottsdale Preserve is limited to archery only, with deer and javelina seasons generally occurring in December and January. For additional information please see our fact sheet (PDF).

It is legal to possess guns in the Scottsdale McDowell Sonoran Preserve, and to carry firearms openly or concealed without a permit according to State of Arizona and City of Scottsdale laws. However, it is illegal to discharge firearms in the Scottsdale Preserve, except for purposes of self-defense or the defense of others, or as otherwise permitted by law. Hunting with firearms is prohibited.

All rules and regulations regarding hunting in Arizona, including the Scottsdale Preserve, are established by the Arizona Game and FishDepartment.links to external site

SPECIAL NOTE: Hunters please be aware of access restrictions in the Tom’s Thumb area. See the fact sheet (PDF) for the specific location of the closed area.

If you suspect a violation of State hunting laws, such as hunters hunting with firearms in any area of the City of Scottsdale Preserve, please call Operation Game Thief at 1-800-352-0700. This is the AZ Game and Fish Department’s anonymous 24-hour hotline.

If you plan to hunt in the Scottsdale McDowell Sonoran Preserve, please register by completing the form below. This information is used to assist the City of Scottsdale and AZGFD with determining hunter participation for Game Management Unit 25M.